LABOUR MATTERS

Southland Times, Issue 17232, 31 December 1912, Page 5

LABOUR MATTERS

LABOUR IN ENGLAND. (By Telecrip h.—Press Association.;— Copyrlcbß* LONDON, -December 29. The shipowners have definitely re« fused to discuss the Wages Board proposal. The Manchester operative cotton spinners have decided to withdraw from the Brookiands agreement. The Southampton Seamen’s and Firemen’s wages have been increased by the White Star Co. 10s per month. A BIG AMALGAMATION. SYDNEY, December 39. Now that the ballot on the proposed amalgamation of the Australian Workers’ Union (the largest organisation of labour in the Commonwealth), with & number of other country unions has been carried by a very substantial majority, a proposal is afoot to widen its scope to include not only any person engaged in pastoral work, but sugar-growing, the meat trade, road mending, and a number of others of all kinds of general labour. THE FREEZING WORKS DISPUTE. WELLINGTON, December 30. The difficulty which has arisen be» tween the slaughtermen - and the freezing companies is in a state of suspense. The cancellation of the registration of the several unions will be complete about the middle of next month. In. the meantime such concessions as th.‘ companies decided to make at the Christ. church conference have been submitted, to the men, and It is understood that there is small likelihood of their ar.'.-Ap-tance. Negotiations are still in pro gross.